Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

The release of the Russian-made “Taras Bulba” movie has fueled animosity. But the nation should not fall into the trap of historical disputes.

Was the 19th century writer Nikolai Gogol Ukrainian or Russian? Did his masterpiece “Taras Bulba” portray the ancient Kozak warriors from modern-day Ukraine as Russian brothers, loyal to Czarist Russia? Or did the Kozaks themselves have a different national identity?

Welcome to the sensitive and complicated debate over Ukrainian-Russian history. It resurfaced – once again – thanks to a film based on “Taras Bulba,” now playing in Russian and Ukrainian movie theaters. The Russian government-funded film portrays a slanted view, suggesting the Kozaks sought unity with Russia. This angers many Ukrainians, who view Kozaks as heroes with a strong national identity.

The truth may lie somewhere in between, or nowhere near either interpretation. Kozaks fought against injustice and oppression. They defended their liberties against Poland, the Turks and Russia – whoever was the enemy of the day. In a sense, the final chapter of their history is yet to be written in modern-day Ukraine. But are current and future generations up to the task? Although Kozaks played a crucial part in forming contemporary Ukrainian identity, they would not have recognized the modern-day squabble over their heritage. It’s also trivial to argue whether they were more genetically Ukrainian or Russian. They may have better recognized the principles that many Ukrainians now strive for: democracy, prosperity, fairness and justice.

Studying history is important. It tells us how we got to where we are today. People – and nations – ignore history at their peril. Both nations, Ukraine and Russia, have more than enough tragic chapters between them. The lessons that should be drawn from them today are that universal principles matter: democracy, representative government, economic policies that stimulate trade and prosperity. It’s often said that victors write history. Ukraine should take this to heart. Arguments over ancient Kozaks are important. Attempts to promote greater use of the Ukrainian language also should continue. But the truth is that many Ukrainians are in better shape than the rest of the world because they can communicate in Ukrainian, Russian and usually another language or two.

Much more crucial at this time is for Ukraine to seize the moment to make its own history. The nation should recommit itself to a democratic state, with equal opportunities and justice for all. Ukrainians should strive to build a society that treats its weakest members with generosity and kindness. The good and powerful should unite in curbing the worst instincts and behavior of the bad and powerful. When progress is made on these goals, Ukraine will have written the final chapter in Kozak history.